Divers Explore Submerged Egyptian City

Stunning underwater photos have surfaced of the lost Egyptian port city of Thonis-Heracleion, hidden for more than a thousand years in the depths of the Mediterranean, according to the Telegraph.

The ancient city had all but passed from memory, existing only in age-old documents and inscriptions that made mention of a place believed to have once been a vital entry point into Ancient Egypt for the Greeks.

What Do We Know about the Lost City?

The name Thonis-Heracleion is a combination of both the Greek and Egyptian names of the city, which was probably founded around the 8th Century AD, according to the website of French underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio. Goddio is credited with discovering the lost city back in 2000 in conjunction with the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology, which he founded.

Today, the underwater city is located 150 feet underwater in the western portion of Aboukir Bay. At the time it was an important port city that controlled all trade into Egypt. Thonis-Heracleion also likely had religious significance which is indicated by the presence of the temple of Amun, the supreme god of the ancient Egyptians, in the heart of the city.

What Artifacts Have Been Found in the City?

So far, archeologists have made numerous fascinating finds, such as the buried remains of more than 64 ships, hundreds of anchors, gold coins and measuring weights and statues of varying sizes. In addition, archaeologists found massive stone slabs containing ancient lettering and sarcophagi that may contain mummified remains.

The amount of coins, ceramics and other valuables found indicate that the city’s residents had once enjoyed a period of substantial wealth, Goddio’s website explained.